Barbara McCoy, R.N., Psy.D has been performing laser treatments in our office since 2002. She also is an expert in Botox and filler treatments such as Juvederm, Voluma and Kybella.

WHAT IS A LASER?

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification and Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It works by taking certain color of light and concentrating it into a powerful beam that can target the properties of the lesions we intend to treat.

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WHAT ARE BROWN DISCOLORATIONS?

Also known as age spots, sun spots, etc., they are darker and therefore absorb more energy than the rest of the skin. This allows the laser to focus on these areas.

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WHAT ARE VASCULAR LESIONS?

Cherry Hemangiomas, telangiectasias, spider veins, and rosacea lesions are overgrown or enlarged capillaries. By focusing on the red color heating the vessel, it causes them to weaken and disappear. Most will heal from the body absorbing them, but some will heal by reopening over the next few weeks.

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CANDIDATE?

You will first meet with Barbara McCoy to discuss your medical history and condition to determine if you are an appropriate candidate. She will discuss the details, risks and expectations of your treatment with you. You may do the consultation in advance of scheduling the treatment, or, if you are an existing patient to the practice, you can schedule the treatment to be done on the same day as the consultation. 

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THE PROCEDURE

After you arrive at your appointment, the treatment site will be checked, you will wash and dry the areas to be treated, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to certain areas. Protective eye shields will be placed over your eyes which will remain in place until the treatment is completed. A hair band may be placed in order to keep your hair out of the area.

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A cool, clear gel will be applied to the skin where the laser will be used. The laser has a round clear sapphire piece that cools the surface of the skin and allows the laser to penetrate the skin without burning the surface.

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Stage 1: Using a high-precision beam, the laser energy is applied to distinct sun and age spots.

Stage 2: The same high-precision beam is adjusted to match distinct vessels and trace them individually.

Stage 3: The laser is changed from a small precision spot to a larger spot to general background sun damage and collagen stimulation. 

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HOW LONG DO TREATMENTS TAKE?

Treatments may take between 15 and 45 minutes depending upon the areas treated.

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HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

This depends upon the severity of the condition being treated as well as an individual's response to treatment. We do not obligate patients to a certain number of treatments as some patients are happy with as few as one treatment.

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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?

Soon after treatment, you skin may appear slightly flushed and swollen. These effects usually subside over the following few hours or days depending upon the intensity of treatment and an individual's skin sensitivity. In most cases, the treatment will cause sun or age spots to darken and they will flake off in about a week. The individual veins will no longer be visible, but as stated before, some may return. Care should be taken to limit sun exposure for at least one week. Cool compresses, sunscreen, or make-up may be applied. The nurse may also apply a soothing cream just after the treatment. Rarely, some of the more difficult vessels may get a slight superficial burn that can be treated with Vaseline for a few days.

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WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

While treatments can help removed the signs of aging and sun damage, they do not stop the process. Ongoing skin care and repeat treatments when needed can give you exceptional results. Ask about other treatments and products that we offer that may further improve the appearance of your skin. 

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IS IT SAFE?

The company that developed the Aura Laser has a track record of developing exceptionally safe and effective systems, The Aura Laser is considered non-invasive as the surface of the skin remains intact after the process. All treatments have been carefully researched and the device is FDA approved. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks that you should discuss with your physician or RN prior to treatment.

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We recommend that you not schedule your first treatment just prior to a big event as response to treatment can vary with the individual. 

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If you would like to see a video of Barbara McCoy performing a consultation and procedure, you can check it out HERE

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